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Hitting the road with your brood is usually the most cost-efficient way to travel. Another bonus to toddler car travel: no other passengers to worry about annoying. But all that time cooped up in a car can make the most well-behaved toddler stir-crazy, not to mention you, mom! Make it a smooth ride with these on-the-go ideas.

Travel heavy, not light. Pack every snack, drink, and toy you can cram into your vehicle, stock up on (and prepare to tolerate) kid’s music and books on tape, and spend some time in the backseat with your pint-sized passenger if there’s room. As for food, bring along your tot’s favorites — whether it’s PB&J, cheese and crackers, or apple slices (and don’t forget to bring plenty of water). When in the car, keep the window cracked to allow for some fresh air, and get your toddler to look far out the window (looking at things close-up can make queasiness worse) by playing a game of “I Spy.” What activities and toys should you tote? Finger and hand puppets are perfect, as are crayons and books, and miniature music-making toys (they can hold a toddler’s attention for long stretches). And keep in mind that now is the time to splurge on (or borrow) as many unfamiliar toys as possible. They’ll keep your tot amused far longer than the same old playthings he’s used to at home. Dole out the snacks and toys individually at various times throughout the drive (not all at once!). Find out what else you need to pack for a family vacation.

Break it up. When traveling with kids by car, two six-hour days are twice as easy as one monster marathon drive. So if it’s needed (and if you can spare the time and money), allow for an overnight stop to space out the trip. And no matter how far or how long the drive, be prepared to stop frequently during toddler car travel —your child could use a chance to walk and play at rest stops. Encourage him to stretch his legs and burn off some energy with a toy ball (where it’s safe to play) or a quick game of follow-the-leader.

Avoid rush hour. This is a no-brainer, but still worth remembering: Traffic in big cities you drive through – and even not so big ones – is heavier at certain times of the day. Look into when the rush tends to occur throughout your route to keep toddler car travel as brief as possible.

Tweak your schedule to encourage sleep on the go. Try leaving really early in the morning, or late at night, so your tot will sleep through part of the journey — depending on your toddler’s sleep tendencies. Big caveat: Make sure the driver stays awake — start out well rested and pull over as soon as a driver becomes drowsy.

Switch things up. If you’re traveling with kids and an adult who can also drive, take turns being in the backseat with your toddler. Alternating who’s at the wheel won’t just keep things interesting for the grown-ups; it’ll also make the trip more exciting for your toddler who will get a kick out of the change in playmates.

Don’t forget clean-up supplies. Make sure you bring loads of wipes, hand sanitizer, disposable bags for garbage (or potential carsickness), paper towels for spills, and an extra set of clothes (kept in a reachable spot) – all good ideas, even if you’re traveling with kids by plane or train.